BE MY OBSESSION

CHAPTER 5

•SHELBY•

The following morning, I scheduled a meeting with the board members in my designated conference room to discuss the upcoming merger ceremony. Aware that my father was already searching for a partner, I took it upon myself to assist him and simplify the process.

It infuriated me when people failed to take me seriously and thought they could obstruct my goals. So, I decided to hold a meeting without his presence to demonstrate that despite his authority, I ultimately held the reins in this organization. There was no way I would allow him to hinder my plans.

As I exited the elevator, Adam greeted me, and together we walked towards the meeting room where the board members patiently awaited.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I hope I haven't kept you waiting," I announced upon entering the room.

They responded with polite smiles and murmured their small disagreements. Taking my seat at the head of the table, I flashed a smile and turned towards them.

"Let's get started, shall we?"

Observing everyone flipping open the files in front of them, I nodded at Adam to activate the projector, displaying a PowerPoint presentation on the merger ceremony.

"As you are all aware, the merger ceremony is approaching in a few weeks, and we still don't have a partner. I believe many of you have suggestions, which is precisely why I called this meeting. Let's discuss these options and find a suitable partner before the ceremony."

Scanning the room, I noticed most of them attentively listening to my words, while the rest focused on the presentation slides behind me.

"The Phillies are hosting this year, and it is expected that we participate with a strong partner by our side, given our position as one of the top-ranked companies in the country. As a group company, we must maintain our high standards and find a partner that aligns with our image."

Pausing briefly, I opened the file in front of me before looking up again.

"Now, let's hear some of your suggestions," I requested, prompting the room to engage in whispered conversations before providing their answers.

"What about Steller Corp? They currently run highly successful businesses with a wide network of companies across Dubai," Mr. Simpsons suggested, garnering agreement from the majority of members.

I glanced at Adam, who stood at the opposite side of the room, and he nodded in approval.

"Very well, I will consider them," I noted down their name on a list and turned to the others.

"Does anyone else have a suggestion? Mr. Adler, do you have someone in mind?"

The man adjusted himself in his seat, leaning back and meeting my gaze.

"I believe Galaxia Group would also be an excellent merging partner. They possess international connections, particularly in Europe," he proposed.

As I twirled the pen in my hand, I pondered his suggestion for a moment.

"We aren't simply looking for someone with global connections or a successful business. We need a partner who will lend support to our company in unforeseen circumstances, rather than using our connections solely for personal gain. Everyone in this room is aware of the challenges our company faces daily, and I believe we are all fulfilling our respective roles to revitalize this company. So, if you're going to suggest someone, ensure they meet my standards in maintaining our shared vision."

A moment of silence filled the room after my statement, and I released a small sigh before settling back into my seat.

However, my heart sank as my father entered the room, instantly capturing everyone's attention.

"Ah, I'm glad to see everyone gathered here. Thank you, darling, for hosting the meeting on my behalf," he remarked while standing at the doorway, and I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Just doing my best to help in any way I can. We were actually in the middle of discussing potential candidates for a great merging partner." I replied, maintaining a composed demeanor despite my awareness of his underlying annoyance. 

He waved his hand dismissively at me and suddenly grinned.

"That won't be necessary anymore. I've found a partner willing to join us for The Phillies 2023 Merger ceremony."

Slowly rising from my seat, my eyes remained fixed on him as my anger resurfaced.

"I'm sorry, what?"

He smirked knowingly and briefly glanced behind him.

"They're on their way up right now. We've already finalized the paperwork, taking care of all the details. I invited them here today so that you all can become acquainted, as we'll be working closely with them in the coming weeks regarding the merger ceremony."

There he goes again, trying to do the work that was rightfully mine and successfully getting away with it.

The enthusiastic reactions from the board members reminded me that I was still present in the room with them. I quickly regained my composure, concealing the anger simmering within.

This was meant to be my moment, my accomplishment. I was supposed to find us a partner, not him!

Forcing a smile, I joined the others in applauding my father as he stood there, taunting me while reveling in the praise.

"So, who did you manage to convince to merge with us, Father?"

He caught the bitterness in my tone and gave me a look before plastering another broad smile across his face, addressing everyone present.

"Elite Enterprises," he announced proudly, and my smile faded.

How on earth did he manage to secure them on our side?

Last year, when I still held the position of Executive Director, I had been working on a project with C&E Holdings. We had presented an exceptional business proposal to Elite Enterprises, as securing their involvement was crucial for us to commence the project.

Unfortunately, they rejected our offer five times. Eventually, we decided to seek another company, concluding that Elite's CEO was a tough negotiator, making it challenging for them to collaborate with us.

Yet, my father had closed the deal effortlessly, and I had no idea what he did to finally persuade them. It provided me with another reason to be furious.

"Elite, huh?" I finally managed to force the words out, my gaze fixed on my father.

He nonchalantly shrugged in response.

"I told you I'd handle it. Ah, here they are."

He turned around, extending greetings to the individuals outside the room, shaking their hands and engaging in pleasantries. Clearing my throat, I crossed my arms, attempting to restrain my anger as I awaited the arrival of the representatives from Elite Enterprises.

Their CEO must be among them.

Great. Just fantastic.

When my father finally stepped aside to welcome them in, my entire body froze in shock as I locked eyes with the man entering the room. It had been years, but I still recognized those features, that face, the way he carried himself.

Bitter memories I had long tried to erase flooded back, replaying in my mind. I could no longer contain my anger.

I didn't care if anyone noticed my sudden change in body language or the fact that I was glaring intensely at our guest.

He was here.

And it felt as though I had been transported back to that high school hallway, surrounded by laughter and insults, feeling utterly powerless and heartbroken—all because of him.